Having heard from Mark and John’s Gospel over the last two Sundays, today we hear Luke’s account of how the Risen Christ appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room. I think the experience he describes takes us to the heart of what it means to be a parish community, united in Christ.

Firstly, Jesus restores his friendship with the disciples. With the simple word “Shalom – Peace be with you” he turns their sadness to joy, healing the feelings of guilt or shame they have from abandoning him on the cross. Jesus understands perfectly that before we can really be open to receive from God and from each other, we must be reconciled with each other. We need to feel at peace with each other, to feel connected. I would say that friendship with God – love of his presence and his will for our lives – and with each other – a real desire to know and be known by others – are the essentials for real growth in our life in God and in the Church. Easter is a time to actively seek to renew and deepen these friendships.

Secondly, we see it is not enough for the Risen Christ to simply appear to his disciples, or even for them to touch his wounds. Jesus also had to “open their minds” to the truth of the Resurrection by revealing to them the meaning of Sacred Scripture. He was thus deepening their faith - the second thing which sustains us and helps us to grow spiritually. We too need to study our faith, to grow in prayer, to put in time/effort to read the Bible, to actively seek a deeper understanding. The parish is here to help with all this! Finally, we see how Jesus unites the disciples by eating with them – yes, the importance of food shared together, both at the table of the Eucharist and in our social contact as a community. For Luke the great sign of community is to share a meal with someone.

We find all these elements in the Alpha course. Firstly we share a simple meal, building friendship, trust and community. Then we explore the big questions of faith together. Our first parish Alpha course starts this Thursday. It is open to anyone seeking a deeper faith in Christ. Interested?

With prayers - Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem, Deacon Robert and all the parish team.

We continue to pray for ‘light not heat’ in Israel and Gaza, Ukraine and Russia and other places of war and conflict around the world at this time.

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PARISH ALPHA COURSE * PARISH ALPHA COURSE * PARISH ALPHA COURSE * Curious about Faith?

WHEN? Thursday evenings 7-8.30pm Starts THURSDAY 18th APRIL for 11 weeks
WHERE? Our Lady of Fatima parish centre, Commonwealth Avenue, White City, London W12 7QR

Join a series of group conversations that freely explore the basics of Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. At each session you'll be hosted in a small group and watch an episode on a different key question of faith - then you have a chance to share your thoughts and hear what others think. You can say anything you like, or nothing at all!
Everyone's welcome! You're invited, no matter what your background or beliefs. It's free and there's no pressure to come back.
To sign up please visit - https://rb.gy/fy9aay or email Izzy @ whitecityyoutheva@rcdow.org.uk